Urban Program Associate, The Nature Conservancy - New Haven, CT

	POSITION SUMMARY
	The Urban Program Associate will help advance strategies and projects that enhance and best utilize natural systems in urban landscapes, including increasing the resilience of urban areas to environmental changes and socio-economic challenges.
	ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
	The Urban Program Associate will operate within the context of social and economic opportunities/challenges in the major urban areas of Connecticut – Bridgeport, Stamford, and/or New Haven.  S/he will help to advance meaningful initiatives and projects designed to advance collective solutions amongst stakeholders; particularly along waterfronts and waterways.  S/he may serve as a contact to municipal, state and federal government entities, other conservation organizations, foundations, the academic community, faith-based groups, media outlets, and/or the general public.  The Associate may also help to raise funds for initiatives and/or specific projects as well as provide assistance for proposal writing, negotiating with agencies/organizations, and donor cultivation as needed. May include one or more of the following additional functions: Help to establish the Conservancy as a solid conservation partner in urban landscapes locally and nationally. Support implementation of the Conservancy’s North America Urban Network – Global Resilient Cities Initiative priorities. Steward and advance key partnerships with public and private organizations and community leaders in order to effectively implement strategies and to widely communicate solutions and best practices. Support complex and innovative solutions with government agencies, building and land owners, social/community support networks and other conservation organizations to integrate natural infrastructure and ecosystem functions. Work and communicate with a diverse group of people, including government officials, board of directors, government and legislative staff, partner organizations, neighborhood associations, residents and the general public, program leadership and other staff. Analyze situations, evaluate alternatives, and implement solutions. Coordinate multiple projects with several variables, set and meet deadlines, and manage timelines.
	RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
	Serve as an integral team member of the Conservancy’s North America Urban Network - Global Resilient Cities Initiative and work with the Center for Whole Communities to better understand how to plan, implement and measure the changes communities and organizations seek concerning coastal resilience actions.  Resolve routine problems independently; consult supervisor to develop plans for resolution of unusual or complex problems. Will act as a resource to other to solve problems within the Conservancy’s Global Resilient Cities Initiative Supervises no staff but may help plan and direct the work of other staff, volunteers and/or interns. Provide content support to Conservancy Philanthropy and Marketing colleagues. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
	MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
	BA/BS degree in urban/environmental planning or related field and 5 years’ experience in not-for-profit, government, consulting firms or other organizations in a related field. Experience in designing, implementing and directing multiple projects and initiatives. Project management experience – particularly with coastal and inland resilience planning and project implementation including green infrastructure, stormwater/CSO issues, urban tree canopy efforts, and/or flood-proofing built environment using natural infrastructure. Experience preparing and presenting project proposals, negotiating, and/or working in partnership other organizations in a collaborative and advisory capacity, or related. Experience in partnership development (community, government, consultants, etc.); experience with cultivating and maintaining meaningful professional contacts. Excellent communication and presentation skills; ability to persuasively convey the mission of TNC to diverse groups. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Master’s degree in related field (urban planning, landscape architecture, etc…) with certification(s) (AICP, RLA, etc…). Experience working in or with local governments and/or community-based organizations. Fluency in relevant languages to facilitate reaching potential stake holders. Bi-lingual and Multi-lingual candidates are welcome. Knowledge of current trends in urban resilience/sustainability policy, practice, and projects.
	HOW TO APPLY
	To apply to position number 42503, submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 17, 2014. Click “submit” to apply for the position or “save for later” to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration. https://careers.nature.org/psp/tnccareers/APPLICANT/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL?Page=HRS_CE_JOB_DTL&Action=A&JobOpeningId=42503&SiteId=1&PostingSeq=1 If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org. The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law. The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.